The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-09-09
GLADST0NE'S INVITATION
THE GRAND OLD MAN GREATLY
PLEASED BY 1T.

He Would Attend the Constitution
Celebration If it Were Possible to Do
Sole Declares That the Residue of
His Activity is Devoted to Ireland.
LONDON, Sept. S.--The letter containing
the invitation TO Mr.. Gladstone to attend
the centennial celebration Of the adoption
of the American constitution, at Philadel-
phia, was dated June "a, and was signed by
Messrs. Kasson, Little Carson and Coch-
rane for the committee. Mr.. Gladstone
was invited as guest Of the COM
mittee, and he was informed by
the gentlemen who conveyed to
him the invitation that it was the only one
sent to any person not an American citizen
or an accredited diplomat, the exception in
his case being intended as an express reoog-
milton of the historical ties which bound
Great Britain and America before the dec
laration of independence He was also
assured that he would be allowed to make,
whatever arrangements he pleased, and
would ba entertained in America as no man.
has been since the visit of Gen. Lafayette.
GLADsToYE's REPLY.
Mr. Gladstone, on July 20, made reply to
the letter and assured the committee of the
great honor he felt in receiving an invita-
tion TO the celebration of the centenary of
the American constitution. His letter con-
tinues:
Attractions of the invitation are enhanced to
me by the circumstance that have always re-
garded that constitution as the most remarka-
bile work known to modern times, TO have been
produced by human intellect, at a single stroke,
so to speak, in its application to political af-
fairs The invitation is accompanied BY every
accessory that even American hospitality could
devise Had | real option in the case could
not but accept, but the limitation of my strength
and time and the hcessant pressure of engage
ments make me too well aware that have none.
DEDICATED TO IRELAND.
SO far as can see the whole small residue of
activity at my command will be dedicated TO the
great work at home | regard the Irish ques-
tion as the most urgent and most full OF prom
Use of beneficial results TO my country that
have ever been engaged In. ought perhaps,
to add that, viewing the jeaiousies prevalent
in England IL is doubtful whether they might
tion you offer me- which is not less signal than
undeserved. The first Of these reasons how
ever, compels me TO decline the most fattering
proposal have ever received
PROFOUND INTEREST.
shall watch with profound interest the pro-
ceedings Of your celebration, when you will
look back upon a century of national advance.
ment that Is without parallel in history, and
look forward to its probable continuance
and your children may be enabled
by the help of the Almighty to worthily meet
the accumulation Of high duties and RESPONSE
bilities proportioned to ever-growing power
will be- am confident, the prayer of your kins-
men here who hope, nay believe, that the moral
relations between the several portions of one
race are wisely destined To acquire increasing
harmony and closeness. Your obliged and
faithful servant, W. Z. GLADSTONE
SHERIDAN WILL COMMAND.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. Seen. Sheridan
to-day assumed command of the troops that
are to participate in the military display
Sept Ia, in honor of the centennial of the
PRONUNCIATION of the constitution.